400 riot-trained officers deployed as Millwall host West Ham for first time in 13 years

The Metropolitan Police are deploying approximately 400 officers — four times the usual number — around The Den on Saturday, 19 September as Millwall host West Ham in their first Championship meeting since February 2012.

Officers will be in riot gear, supported by dog units, mounted police, and live facial recognition cameras. Rival supporters have been directed to use separate Tube and rail stations travelling to and from the ground. A Section 35 dispersal order will also be in force, giving police the power to remove anyone causing disorder in the designated area.

In a statement ahead of the 12:30 kick-off, the Met reminded supporters that the Sporting Events Act 1985 prohibits entering or attempting to enter a ground while intoxicated. The force said it had worked with both clubs to help fans enjoy the match safely.

The history between the two sides underlines why authorities are taking no chances. A League Cup tie in 2009 saw one man stabbed and play halted three times due to pitch invasions. Former West Ham captain Julian Dicks was struck by a brick while defending a corner at The Den as far back as December 1998. Tensions have already spilled into the build-up this week: injured West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek was filmed being threatened by a Millwall supporter in a video circulated on social media.

Both clubs were relegated from the Premier League last season, and their reunion in the Championship was one of the first fixtures supporters sought out when the schedule was released in June.

The Millwall–West Ham match is not the only flashpoint this weekend. On Sunday, Wolves host West Brom in the Black Country derby at 12:00. The sides last met in the FA Cup in January 2024, when Wolves won 2-0 at The Hawthorns — though that game was overshadowed after players were forced off the pitch for 35 minutes amid crowd disorder.

In Scotland, Celtic and Rangers meet at Parkhead just one week after their previous Old Firm clash at Ibrox, with police north of the border also bracing for a demanding shift.

The wider London fixture schedule adds further pressure on resources, with Brentford facing Chelsea on Friday evening and Fulham hosting Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.